Return Channel for a Surf Pool

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/654,442, filed May 3, 2024, which claims the benefit of, and is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/057,150. U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/057,150 is a national stage entry of PCT Application No. PCT/CA2021/000045, filed May 18, 2021, which claims to the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/026,508, filed May 18, 2020, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

The embodiments discussed in the present disclosure are related to various configurations for a channel configured to return water back into a surf or wave pool.

Water parks often include a variety of water related attractions. Surf pools are one of the many water related attractions that can be provided. Surf pools invariably include movement of large volumes of water to create a series of waves configured for surfing enthusiasts. The waves generated often move at least some of the water to a periphery of the surf pool. Extending the size of the surf pool water attractions to collect the water often unnecessarily extends the size of the surf pool attraction, taking up space that can often be used more efficiently for other attractions. For this reason, solutions that allow space to be saved without sacrificing aesthetics or utility of the surf pool are desirable.

The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

Disclosed are various embodiments that relate to managing the movement of large volumes of water and water channel configurations operable to efficiently return water to a surf pool.

A surf pool is described and includes a surf basin; a wave generator disposed on a first side of the surf basin that is configured to generate waves that travel from the first side of the surf basin to a second side of the surf basin opposite the first side of the surf basin; and a return channel extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the second side of the surf basin. In some embodiments, the return channel includes a central channel that extends from the periphery of the second side of the surf basin and into a central portion of the surf basin.

In some embodiments, multiple edge pools can be arranged behind and in close proximity to the return channel. Various configurations are possible including some where the edge pool is either incorporated into the return channel or separated from the return channel by a common wall.

A return channel is described that includes a peripheral channel portion extending along a periphery of a first side of a surf basin; a central channel portion that is connected to and protrudes from the peripheral channel portion and into a central region of the surf basin; and a plurality of grating panels covering the peripheral channel portion and the central channel portion.

Also disclosed is a surf pool comprising a surf basin defining a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, the surf basin defining a substantially concave curvature at the second side, the substantially concave curvature extending towards the first side of the surf basin at a central region of the surf basin between the first end and the second end; and a wave generator disposed at the first side of the surf basin and configured to generate a first set of waves that travels to a distinct first section of the surf basin and a second set of waves that travels to a distinct second section of the surf basin.

Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,891,834 issued Feb. 6, 2024 for Chamber and Control System and Method for Generating Waves.

A surf pool utilizes a device often referred to as a wave generator to create a series of surf waves. Wave generators can be configured to produce a variety of different types of waves with varying sizes and shapes suitable for surfers of various experience and skill level. Accordingly, the surf pool should be operable to provide customizable waves for multiple ability levels.

shows an exemplary surf poolin accordance with the disclosure. Surf poolincludes a wave generator assemblylocated on a first sideof surf pool. The wave generator assemblyis operable to generate waves that travel from the first sideof surf poolto a second sideof surf pool. In some embodiments, wave generator assemblycan take the form of a pneumatically driven wave generator assembly. When wave generator assemblytakes the form of a pneumatically-driven wave generator assembly, the wave generator assemblyincludes multiple chambers operable to be filled with pressurized air, which in turn periodically pushes water into a surf basinthrough one or more delivery channelsin a manner suitable for generating waves. It should be appreciated that while a specific wave generator assemblyis depicted and described, the described embodiments are compatible with a wide variety of wave generator assemblies. For example,shows a configuration with 34 delivery channels. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a larger or smaller number of delivery channels could be used depending on the size of a respective surf pool and an amount of flexibility desired for the types of waves to be generated in the surf poolwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, configurations with between 10 and 100 delivery channels are also possible and believed to be within the scope of the described embodiments.

A return channelis positioned at the second sideof surf pooland operable to capture portions of the generated waves as they approach a periphery of surf pool. The periphery is the edge of the surf poolopposite the delivery channels. Return channelcan be sized to largely prevent water from inadvertently escaping surf poolduring operation of wave generator assembly. Once water is captured within return channel, the water can be returned into a central portion of surf basin. In some embodiments, return channelcan be covered by grating panels with an upward facing surface that allows guests or users of the surf poolto conveniently walk over any portion of return channelwhile still accommodating the passage of water into the return channel. Alternatively, guests or users can move over an uncovered portion or portions of return channelusing one or more bridges that span return channel. Some configurations can include portions of return channelcovered by grating panels and other portions remaining uncovered. Bridges or narrow walkways could be operable to allow for passage over any portions of return channelnot covered by grating.

A width of return channelcan vary. However, widths of between two and six meters allow for large volumes of water to be captured when wave generator assemblyis creating its largest waves. The width of return channel depicted inis about four meters and its depth fixed at about 1.5 meters in one particular embodiment. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the depth of the channelcan be greater or less than 1.5 meters and can vary in depth along the length of the channel. For example, in one embodiment a depth of the channel can gradually increase towards the center to encourage larger volumes of water to return more quickly to the surf basin. In another embodiment, the depth of the channel can decrease towards the center to encourage water to move toward the ends of return channelinitially.

As depicted, return channelis positionable along all or part of the second sideof the surf poolopposite the delivery channels. The return channelcan be configured to have a first side and a second side with a central channel portionthat protrudes into a central region of surf basin, a first peripheral channel portionthat extends away from the central channel portionin a first direction and a second peripheral channel portionthat extends away from the central channel portionin a second direction opposite the first direction. The first and second peripheral channel portionsandfollow a periphery of the second sideof surf pool. In some embodiments, one or more areas of sand can be positioned 5-10 m past return channelin order to form a beach where guests can congregate. The beach area can also be operable to soak up water and dissipate the force of any waves that end up extending past return channel. This can be helpful in scenarios where a section or sections of return channelare flooded with water.

Water captured in the peripheral channel portionsandis able to return to surf basinby way of central channel portion. In some embodiments, central channel portioncan be omitted and water captured within return channelcan be returned into surf basinusing one or more water pumps. For example, instead of having the depicted central channel portion, one or more large intake pipes could be provided. The intake pipes can then be configured to carry water retained by return channelaway for redistribution of the water throughout the surf basinusing a series of outlet valves.

Central channel portioncan also be covered by the same or a similar grating panelsoverlaying peripheral channel portionsand. Covering central channel portionwith a grating helps avoid discontinuities in the slope and surface of surf basin. However, in addition to providing a consistent surface and an efficient mechanism for returning water into surf basin, the grating covering central channel portionby virtue of its hole spacing and position within surf basinis operable to dissipate energy in a central portion of surf basinthat reduces eddies and other undesired currents resulting from generation of waves by wave generator. Reducing eddies and other undesired currents can be particularly helpful in situations where wave generatoris concurrently producing a first set of waves travelling toward a first endof surf pooland a second set of waves travelling toward a second endof surf pool. In some embodiments, this can allow wave generator assemblyto produce a more consistent set of waves without having to wait as long for the surface of the water within surf basinto calm between sets of waves.

shows a detailed perspective view of the central channel portionand how central channel portionis connected to peripheral channel portionsandof return channel. Grating panels have been removed from the view shown inin order to illustrate a configuration of a grating support structure. The grating support structure is operable to support and maintain a position of one or more grating panels over return channel. When the grating panel is firmly supported, the grating panel does not change orientation when the weight of a user is applied at any location along the grating panel or when waves impact the grating panels. The grating panels are operable to cover the return channel such that one or more of the plurality of grating panels are in direct contact with the wall shared by the return channel and the edge pool. As depicted, the grating support structure includes multiple beamsextending across a width of return channel. A spaceis provided between adjacent beams. The spacebetween adjacent beamscan be sized to accommodate a grating panel sized to be positioned at a location on the grating support structure so that opposing sides of the grating panel are firmly supported. As depicted, the central channel portionof the return channelis about twice the width of, e.g., first peripheral channel portion. In some embodiments, this allows for grating panels used for the peripheral channel portionto be interchangeable with grating panels used for the central channel portion. This illustrated configuration is achieved here by arranging one or more central beamswithin the central channel portionalong a centerline of central channel portion.

also includes a close-up viewthat shows additional detail for some of the beamsdisposed within peripheral channel portion. In some embodiments, beamscan take the form of steel beams that include multiple bracketsprotruding laterally from either side of a respective beamto allow for convenient attachment of the grating panels to beams. For example a fastener can be driven through a first fastener opening in a grating panel and then engage a second fastener opening in a bracketto secure the grating panel in place. Close-up viewalso shows a drainnear a top portion of peripheral channel portionthat prevents or mitigates situations in which peripheral channel portionoverfills due to rain or other circumstances.

shows a top-down view of surf pooland an overall shape of return channel. Return channelis emphasized here using a dot pattern. Central channel portionis shown extending into a central region of surf basin. While the serpentine geometry provides a pleasing aesthetic appearance, the concave curvature of the peripheral portion of peripheral channel portionalso allows a length of central channel portionto be shorter in length than it would otherwise be in the event return channel had an entirely convex curvature.

Close-up viewshows a top view of a configuration in which grating panels are supported by beamsas shown in. Close up viewshows an alternative support structure configuration for the grating panels using multiple concrete piers. Concrete pierscan extend from a bottom surface of peripheral channel portionclose to a top of peripheral channel portionto support grating panels covering the top of peripheral channel portion. In a configuration using concrete piersperipheral channel portioncan be slightly deeper to account for space within return channeltaken by concrete piers. In some embodiments, a mix of beamsand concrete pierscan be used to support grating panels covering return channel. In other embodiments, either beamsor concrete piersare used to support grating panels extending over the entirety of return channel.

shows a top-down view of a surf pooland an overall shape of return channel. Return channelserves a similar purpose to previously depicted return channelbut includes two central channel portionsextending into surf basin. This configuration can be beneficial in cases where wave generator assemblyis configured to send different types of waves to three distinct sections of surf pool.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, return channelcan be divided into two separate return channels. For example, return channelcan be divided into multiple return channels by dividing return channelat point, allowing for independent return channels to feed each of central channel portions. Any of the surf pools depicted herein could include return channel configurations with multiple return channels arranged to follow the periphery of the surf pool or in other embodiments, discrete rows of return channels could be arranged to help collect water and/or dissipate wave energy.

shows a top-down view of a surf poolsimilar in operation to surf poolthat includes multiple integral edge pools (e.g. first edge pooland second edge pool) formed adjacent to or integrated with a return channelconfigured to redirect water back into surf basin. While this particular surf poolincludes only two distinct edge pools, it should be appreciated that a surf pool could be configured with a smaller or larger number of edge pools. For example, one, three, four or five edge pools are also possible. Also smaller pools can be formed within the bounds of integral edge poolsand/or. Edge poolshares a wall with a peripheral channel portion-of the return channel. Edge poolextends into and allows a peripheral barrier associated with a section of peripheral channel portionto be removed so that edge poolcan incorporate space otherwise taken by peripheral channel portion. The edge pool configurations can be a great choice when more variability is desired within a lounging pool. These configuration allow for some disturbances of the water. For example, some disturbances would result from waves sometimes flowing into and out of edge pool. It should be noted that while edge poolis shown with a barrier separating it from adjacent sections of the return channelthat the barrier can be entirely removed to allow edge poolto be completely incorporated into the return channel

In some embodiments, water within different sections of peripheral channel portionis in fluid communication with and therefore allowed to freely circulate between edge pooland adjacent sections of peripheral channel portion. Additionally, edge poolcan include a series of valves and/or pumps that help to maintain a desired water level within edge pool. The use of pumps and valves can also be operable to help regulate a level of water in the adjacent sections of peripheral channel portion. For example, edge poolcan act as a pass through that allows water from section-of peripheral channel portionto move into peripheral channel portion-in the event water levels in peripheral channel portion-exceed a predetermined threshold level or in the event of a threshold height differential in the water contained within sections-and-of peripheral channel portion. Alternatively, a floor of peripheral channel portion-can be higher than a floor of peripheral channel portion-and piping can be arranged to transfer water slowly from peripheral channel portion-, through edge pooland to peripheral channel portion-. In some embodiments, this piping can be arranged along the floor or just beneath the floor of edge pool.

shows a cross-sectional side view of surf poolin accordance with section line A-A as shown in. In particular,shows a cross-sectional view of peripheral channel portioncovered by grating paneland how grating panel accommodates the passage of water into peripheral channel portionwhile also allowing for convenient movement of a user over peripheral channel portion. As depicted, an inclined slope remains substantially similar to the slope of the terrain leading out of surf basin, thereby lowering the risk of guests tripping or losing their balance as they cross peripheral channel portion. In some embodiments, grating panelcan be installed and arranged such that the upward facing surface of the grating panel is substantially flush with an upward facing surface of surf basinand such that the upward facing surface of the grating panel follows an upward slope of the surf basin. While the cross-sectional views show grating panel following a slope of the wave pool, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments a slope of the grating can increase in order to orient the grating more directly at incoming waves and thereby capture more water. It should be noted that the grating panels used to cover the return channel of surf poolcan have a similar arrangement to the grating panelas depicted here in. Moreover, the grating panels are not limited to planar configurations (e.g., horizontally planar). The grating panels can have a contoured upper surface (e.g., slightly concave or convex) as a result of the contouring and shaping of the surf basinof the surf pool at any particular location adjacent the return channel.

shows a cross-sectional side view of surf poolin accordance with section line B-B as shown inthat shows peripheral channel portionand edge pool. As depicted, water positioned within edge pooland peripheral channel portionis separated by a common channel wall. In some embodiments, a distal end of channel wallcan be decorated with rocks or other barriers that help reduce an amount of water splashing into edge poolas a result of waves being generated within surf basin. As depicted, the presence of sloped grating panelhelps guests to more easily enter and exit edge poolfrom surf basinby reducing an apparent height of channel wallwith a guest standing upon a portion of grating panelproximate channel wall.

shows a cross-sectional side view of surf poolin accordance with section line C-C as shown inthat shows peripheral channel portionand edge pool. As depicted water from surf basinis able to splash freely into edge pool, which acts as extended storage for return channelby collecting some waves that send water to the periphery of surf pool. Between waves water levels can sink just below an outer lipof surf basin. As mentioned previously, the illustrated configuration is operable to allow the space generally taken up by peripheral channel portionto contribute to a size of edge pool. This configuration also removes the need for an outer channel wall, similar to channel wallshown in. In some embodiments, edge poolcan be open to peripheral channel portion. In some embodiments and as depicted in, edge poolcan be walled off from adjacent sections-and-of peripheral channel portion. Similar to the embodiments described in conjunction with edge pool, edge poolcan also be configured to allow for the passage of water between sections-and-or peripheral channel portionas needed. Walling off edge poolfrom sections-and-can allow for more control over the water levels within edge pool.shows how simple it is for a guest to transition from surf basinto edge poolsimply by stepping past the outer lipof surf basin.

shows a perspective view of an exemplary sectionthat can be incorporated into the grating panelas shown in. An actual grating panelwould be much larger than depicted and in some embodiments have a size of about one meter by four meters. Additionally, the upper surface of the grating panel can be planar as illustrated or have or achieve contouring. The shape in a first plan can be square or rectangular. In some configurations, one or more sides of the grating panel can be curved. Openings, can be square, as illustrated, or any other suitable shape including, but not limited to rectangular, triangular, round, oval, and ovoid. In some embodiments, a size of openingscan be about 8 mm square in a first dimension. The dimensional size of openingsof the grating can be varied for different effects. For example, grating openingshaving smaller sizes, e.g. between 4 mm and 8 mm can also be used and are considered within the scope of the described embodiments. A thickness of grating panelcan vary between 20 and 80 mm in thickness and be formed from a polyester resin in some embodiments.

shows a top-down view of another exemplary sectionthat can be incorporated into the grating panelas shown inand includes different shaped openings. In particular, sectionincludes triangular openingsand rectangular openings, illustrating how a single section of a grating panel can include multiple differently shaped openings. Grating panels can include openings of different shape and size to fine tune a desired amount of energy dissipation and wave pass through for a particular surf pool configuration.

As described earlier, the interaction between the water driven by wave generator assemblyand the grating over central channel portionis effective at dissipating energy from the waves. When water is reentering the surf basin through central channel portion, testing showed more than a 60% reduction in velocity for water passing through a grating panel having an 8 mm square grating pattern. Testing also showed the interaction of the waves with the grating having a smoothing effect on the waves. In some embodiments, a slope of the central channel portion of the return channel can vary between about four and six degrees.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter configured in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Unless specific arrangements described herein are mutually exclusive with one another, the various implementations described herein can be combined in whole or in part to enhance system functionality and/or to produce complementary functions. Likewise, aspects of the implementations may be implemented in standalone arrangements. Thus, the above description has been given by way of example only and modification in detail may be made within the scope of the present invention.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.). Also, a phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to include one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the use of comprise, or variants such as comprises or comprising, includes a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that any claims presented at any time in this application define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are covered thereby.